Daily Higher Education News: 11 February 2013

The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 11 February 2013.

Russia launches plan to get universities into top of rankings

Russia has launched a program aimed at boosting the country’s performance in international university tables, including the QS World University Rankings. Under the scheme, 15 leading universities will receive special grants, initially worth RUB9 billion (US$270 million), reports University World News. Strategies to propel Russian universities to the top include developing international partnerships, research collaboration with high-tech companies, and creating conditions to attract top academics.

Wake Forest law students to lead mediations with local residents

Law students at Wake Forest University, US, are to lead a conflict resolution program which aims to help students and local residents resolve quarrels without resorting to the courthouse, reports Winston-Salem Journal. Students trained in mediation will have a chance to practise their skills when complaints are made by residents living close to campus – typically over issues such as students playing loud music, parking on private property and littering.

Australia and New Zealand may collaborate in chasing student debts

New Zealand’s prime minister has suggested that the governments of Australia and New Zealand may collaborate in tracking down students who move between the two countries, to make sure they pay back their loans. John Key said New Zealand students who’d moved to Australia owe about NZ$600 million (about US$500m), while Australian students now in New Zealand owe about NZ$20 million (US$16.6m). Proposals would mean information sharing between the countries’ tax departments, to aid the collection of mandatory loan repayments, TVNZ reports.

Singapore university says condoms ‘ban’ was ‘misunderstanding’

The National University of Singapore (NUS) says reports that it had banned the sale of condoms on campus were the result of a ‘misunderstanding’ which has now been resolved, Bangkok Post reports. The campus pharmacy had removed condoms from its shelves, stating that their sale had been prohibited by the university. However, NUS denies this, and condoms are now back on sale.

German education minister resigns over plagiarism accusations

Annette Schavan has resigned from her position as Germany's education minister after Heinrich Heine University voted to withdraw her doctorate, BBC News reports. The university had compiled a committee to review Schavan’s thesis, following anonymous accusations that it contained plagiarism. The minister said she didn't accept the decision, but wouldn't take legal action. She will be replaced by Johanna Wanka, currently culture and science minister for the Lower Saxony region.